You use this to ask someone if they want to do something with you. You can also use it to think out loud about what you should do.
Verb [volitional form] + かPrimary
You use this to ask someone if they want to do something with you. You can also use it to think out loud about what you should do.
もう遅いから、そろそろ帰ろうか。
It's getting late, so shall we head home soon?
暑そうだね。窓を開けようか？
It seems hot, doesn't it? Shall I open the window?
今日の夕飯、何にしようか。
What should I make for dinner today?
何を注文しようかと話していました。
We were just talking about what to order.
このプロジェクト、続けるべきか、それともやめようか、一人で悩んでいる。
I'm agonizing by myself over whether I should continue this project or just quit.
This is different from "〜ましょうか" because of politeness. "〜(よ)うか" is casual. You use it with friends or family. "〜ましょうか" is polite. You use it with your boss or older people. For example, you ask a friend, "Shall we watch a movie?" You ask your boss, "Shall I prepare the papers?"
Watch out: Do not mix up '〜(よ)うか' and '〜(よ)う'. '〜(よ)う' means 'Let's do it!' It shows you made a strong choice. '〜(よ)うか' means 'Shall we do it?' It is a soft idea. You are asking others or thinking aloud.
Use this when you want to ask someone "Shall we do this?" You are asking for their idea. Or, use it when you are thinking to yourself, "Should I do this?" You are not asking anyone else.
Track your mastery
Kumi's KMT system tracks your mastery across kanji, vocabulary, grammar, and reading. Create a free account to use it on 220,000+ concepts.